Summer, time off work and music – those three things, according to a recent governmental study, are what constitute a proper rest, at least according to a test group of adult inhabitants of the British Isles. It’s really hard to disagree. Summer is the time of festivals; the weather is usually much better than for the rest of the year, new music is always available at the stretch of a hand and who doesn’t like holidays? We do not have to travel far to actually have rest and it’s always nice to switch off our brains and just enjoy ourselves. We have sat down with our favourite London three piece, JW PARIS (Gemma Clarke, Aaron Forde and Daniel Collins) and we discussed very important summer topics, plus some new music they just released and some summer touring. You know, the absolute essentials.
It is exactly the middle of the year and JW Paris are dropping a proper summer hit. Can you tell us more about the single “Leave It Alone” and how this song came to be?
JW PARIS: “Leave It Alone” is a deeply personal song for us. It reflects our own inner journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The song was recorded at Buffalo Studios, produced by JB Pilon and mastered by an award-winning engineer at Air Studios, Cicely Balston.
“Leave It Alone” calls for an outward reflection on ourselves. While we waltz through a world that obsesses over self-identity, absorbed by the mundane, the things we struggle to leave alone, this track seeks to open up the conversation around how we are perceived. Do we know who we are and can we truly leave it alone?
New EP is also on the cards. What can we expect from your next release and is there a chance to finally see your music on vinyl?
JW PARIS: We hope to see it all on vinyl! Expectations for the new record? We’ve taken a bit more of a head first dive into our grunge route. Always testing the limits on how loud a three-piece band can be and we believe this EP will showcase some of our heaviest most anarchist riffs to date.
Few months ago, you released your own version of Chris Isaak’s legendary “Wicked Game”. Then in recent weeks, Tenacious D did the same. We are just so curious to know what you think about Jack Black’s take on the same track. Who covered it better?
JW PARIS: Great question! You really can’t fault Tenacious D and Jack Black’s seamless vocal range; it just never fails to astound. We, however, did a role reversal with delivery this time – Danny taking the lead vocal. Somehow, we received a better reaction than any of the songs with Aaron’s being the lead voice, AKA our entire back catalogue! So that being said, our vote’s with JB!
You can’t have summer without music festivals. Do you plan to attend some and if you do, what should always be considered an essential before you hit the fields?
JW PARIS: Due to a hectic year of gigs/festivals and recording last year and at the beginning of this year, we have all taken a bit of time out this year to go on holiday and have some R&R. We are however heading to the Truck Festival this year. As punters this time, so we will be on the hunt for some new finds! If you’re there, you’ll know where to find us. We’ll no doubt be getting refused entry backstage after endlessly shouting “Do you know who we are?!”.
And speaking about concerts, do you have any plans for the upcoming months? Where can we see you play?
JW PARIS: Yes, we are hitting the road soon and we have below gigs lined up:
July:
Friday 7th – Six Six Bar – Cambridge
August:
Saturday 5th – Old Town Live Festival
Saturday 15th July – Todd in the Hole Festival
Saturday 19th – The Castle All Dayer – Luton
September:
Saturday 9th – FESTIVAL TBA in Sheffield
Now onto some serious topics. Let’s settle some summer scores. What do you prefer:
Ice cream or sorbets/ice lollies?
JW PARIS: Lollieees! We love a Twister!
Flip flops or trainers?
JW PARIS: Cuban heels
Alcoholic beverages or funky mocktails?
JW PARIS: Alcohol, always alcohol
Best home remedy for festival hangover: Bloody Mary or Chamomile tea?
JW PARIS: Jack Daniels
Full English breakfast or Continental buffet?
JW PARIS: Full English, 2 toast, loadsa coffee.
Best summer get away: Ibiza or Greece?
JW PARIS: Ibiza
Best domestic destination: Brighton or Blackpool?
JW PARIS: Ooooh, now both are good cos Brighton Great Escape Festival and Blackpool Rebellion Festival… both are brilliant and we couldn’t choose!?
You are most likely to find yourself: on the beach or at the pool?
JW PARIS: Pool, nobody likes sand in your pants
The AC debate: turn it up or turn it down?
JW PARIS: UP. ALWAYS UP. TOO ‘OT
On your barbeque you will have: burgers or steaks (vegan options included) or perhaps a salad?
JW PARIS: Always a Burger, Vegan and or Meat options will be available with us!
You are more likely to complain: about the weather/heat or about the crowds?
JW PARIS: We love complaining. We’ll have something to moan about them all!
How do you keep cool when you are one of the hottest bands around?
JW PARIS: By turning that AC up to 11 😊
Feel free to suggest summer bangers to the readers of Indieterria. The more the better.
JW PARIS: We’ve actually made a playlist of influential songs for Leave it Alone and some of our new favourite bands, you can follow it here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5gYir8XX5ZDAQcu70gY0gw?si=05d970523d18473f
Follow the band on social media:
www.facebook.com/jwparismusic
www.instagram.com/jwparismusic
www.twitter.com/jwparismusic
www.youtube.com/c/jwparis
tiktok.com/@jwparismusic
Rita and Malicia Dabrowicz
Indieterria 
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